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Post by cadeby on Nov 12, 2008 15:15:53 GMT -1
Hi everyone. I have a crazy idea simmering at the back of my brain to attempt the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail with hubby and 2 of our Dales, probably Autumn 2010 as we will need to get fit (us and the ponies) and arrange for the chosen two to not be in-foal. The trail is 220km long and goes through some spectacular scenery in the foothills of southern France. Lots of people walk it with donkeys, so there are lots of B&Bs on the route which accomodate humans and equines. In places the trail is quite steep, so it will test the sure-footedness of our girls! We will be doing a lot of walk-and-lead but riding the flatter bits. I don't think our Wintec saddles are really up to the job so I would appreciate advice from the endurance / long distance riders amongst you as to good saddle and saddle-pad recommendations? All of our girls are typically wide, no-withered Dales  I can't afford to spend more than £1000 for the two saddles. Is it feasible to find something suitable for the job at this price? Thanks, Helen. |
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Post by harleydales on Nov 12, 2008 18:16:32 GMT -1
I do endurance rides with Harley, up to 60km per day (inc 2-day 80km's) and have done a 5 day trek, all in a Wintec Wide saddle with no problems. I use a sheepskin numnah underneath it as it absorbs the sweat really nicely.
I've done nearly 1000 competative km in it plus all the training. We had a fitting problem this year as Harley changed shape so dramatically with the longer rides, slimmer physique and new muscles but apart from that no problem.
As long as your Wintecs fit well they should be fine.
I got really good saddle bags from performance equestrian, google themand have a look at their stuff.
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Post by cadeby on Nov 12, 2008 21:16:54 GMT -1
Thanks Jane - it makes me feel a lot better to know that you are competing at those distances with the same saddles we use for just plodding about  I can't really afford to splash out on new kit, but I thought it would be a necessity as I didn't realise that the Wintecs were that good over long distances. We'll only be doing about 20km max per day and we won't be in the saddle on the rough terrain anyway. If we don't get new saddles we can better afford all the other necessities that go with a trip like this  |
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Post by harveydales on Nov 13, 2008 6:01:21 GMT -1
Can't give any saddle advice but just wanted to say what a brilliant adventure you're planning.  |
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Post by cadeby on Nov 13, 2008 12:22:09 GMT -1
.. just wanted to say what a brilliant adventure you're planning.  Thanks Pam - if it gets past the incubation stage it should be quite exciting. I need to start seriously researching the logistics to see if it is feasible. The main difficulty (as always) is getting horse and dog-sitters for our farm whilst we're away. If you're feeling brave you can accompany us - I'll lend you Wilf! He fancies himself as a mountain goat - very good at leaping sideways without warning  |
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Post by dalesponyrider on Nov 14, 2008 6:18:28 GMT -1
What a wonderful adventure! Take Harvey over and join in Pam! I bet he would end up being too tired to spook! In fact, it might cure him. Perhaps I should bring Saturn! LOL!
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Post by nars on Nov 14, 2008 16:20:48 GMT -1
Sounds great fun. I like the HM seatsavers for long distance, very comfy on the soft bits!
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Post by cadeby on Nov 14, 2008 22:40:45 GMT -1
I like the HM seatsavers for long distance, very comfy on the soft bits! Friends have just left, I've had a tad too much wine and my brain won't offer up "HM". What company is that please Jacqui  |
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Post by harveydales on Nov 15, 2008 6:21:55 GMT -1
It's the Heather Moffett Seat Saver - Enlightened Equitation. I love these seat savers and they've saved my bum from many hard saddles in the past. My only criticism is that they go rock hard in the winter and take some time to warm up. I use one of those microwave heated pads to warm mine but over in France you wouldn't have that problem.
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Post by harleydales on Nov 16, 2008 10:53:10 GMT -1
I have a Heather Moffat seat saver too - wonderful, wonderful piece of kit!
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Post by harleydales on Nov 16, 2008 10:53:51 GMT -1
I have a Heather Moffat seat saver too - wonderful, wonderful piece of kit!
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Post by cadeby on Nov 16, 2008 13:21:00 GMT -1
Thanks girls - our bums may get one of those each from Santa!
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Post by harleydales on Nov 16, 2008 19:59:00 GMT -1
Igot mine from Feedmark, so check out both and see which is cheapest!!!
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